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AB 799

Prisons: death benefit for incarcerated firefighters.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Isaac Bryan and 2 co-sponsors

California law now provides death benefits to families of incarcerated firefighters killed while fighting fires, extending worker protections to prison fire camp personnel.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 711, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 799

Legislative bill overview

AB 799 establishes death benefits for incarcerated individuals who work as firefighters in California's prison fire camps. The bill extends survivor benefits to families of incarcerated firefighters killed or fatally injured while performing firefighting duties, mirroring protections available to non-incarcerated firefighters.

Why is this important

California relies heavily on incarcerated firefighters—approximately 1,800 individuals—to respond to wildfires and other emergencies, often working in dangerous conditions for minimal pay (typically $2-5 per day). This bill recognizes the real occupational hazards these workers face and provides financial support to families of those killed in service, addressing a gap in worker protections for this vulnerable population.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining beneficiary eligibility: Questions about which family members qualify and how benefits are distributed to incarcerated individuals or their dependents
  • Scope of coverage: Debate over whether benefits should apply only to fire camp deaths or extend to all prison work-related fatalities
  • Fiscal impact and sustainability: Uncertainty about long-term state costs and whether the benefit level is adequate compared to standard firefighter death benefits
  • Incarceration and worker rights: Philosophical disagreement about whether incarcerated individuals should receive equivalent protections as non-incarcerated workers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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